Data archiving and archive selection are key elements in making your data FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable). To make data more findable, select an archive that provides persistent identifiers (e.g., DOI or Handle) and ensures that the data is indexed in relevant search services (e.g. DataCite and Google Dataset Search). The data will be more accessible if you choose an archive that includes criteria for securing access to a data set, uses standardized protocols and allows authorization procedures where appropriate. These features are seen in the majority of trustworthy archives. You can verify this by visiting the archival register re3data.org (find an archive, you will then find information in the tabs "Terms" and "Standards").

There are several archive services for research data. Here are some tips on how to choose the right archive for your data:

In some cases, the funder or journal has a requirement to use a specific repository.

Use a repository already established for your research domain to preserve the data following the standards in your discipline. In order to find a subject-specific repository, you can use the repository registry re3data. 

MF Open Research Data

If you are a researcher at MF, you can archive your data in MF’s institutional repository for open research data, MF Open Research Data. MF Open Research Data is CoreTrustSeal-certified as a trustworthy and sustainable repository, ensuring the long-term preservation of archived data. Here, each dataset is assigned a DOI and an automatically generated reference for use in publications. Data archived in the repository will become searchable in discovery services like Google Dataset Search. The repository also has version control, whereby all changes made in the dataset after initial publication are registered and made visible. More information and user guides can be found on this info page: https://info.dataverse.no/.

The Sikt data archive

For data containing personally identifying information, we advise you to use Sikt’s repository.

Criteria for selecting an archive

More information on which criteria to search for when selecting an archive may be found Science Europe's tutorial.

Before archiving your data, you should format and document it according to best practices, regardless of the archive you use. We strongly advise you to always use ORCID.

See also: Standard procedures for the storage of research data at MF.